While apple juice that is 100% real juice is a sweet and nutritious beverage, it is not a calorie-free drink. How many calories does a cup of apple juice have? Approximately 117. However, this number can vary, though not significantly, depending on the amount of sugar and water it contains. It is always a good idea to check the label of each brand for specific nutrition facts. Always look for “100% juice” to be written on the label; you don’t want to pay for unnecessary extra additives. Apple juice combined with the juice of other fruits will not have the same amount of calories as pure 100% apple juice. Apple juice and apple cider have roughly the same amount of calories since apple juice is essentially apple cider, except it has been filtered to remove large pieces of pulp and then pasteurized to increase the shelf life.

With 117 calories, apple juice can be a healthy choice of beverage, depending on a person’s dietary requirements. Apple juice is very low in saturated fat, sodium, and has no cholesterol. Apple juice is also a good source of vitamin C, which appeals to people who want to avoid taking vitamin supplements and get all of their recommended daily minerals and vitamins from the foods they eat. Compared to other sweet beverages, apple juice ranks high nutritionally. It contains flavonoids, known for their antioxidant effects, and phenols, which actually helps reduce cholesterol. For people concerned with having a natural diet, apple juice may be a good choice, because 100% pure apple juice lacks many of the additives and preservatives that make other sweet beverages less attractive options. Apple juice is also easy to digest. For this reason, it is one of the first beverages many parents introduce to infants.

Not everyone will want to add apple juice to his or her diet. Apples, like many fruits, are high in sugar. People currently on or considering a diet plan that requires the restriction of carbohydrates should be aware that each cup of apple juice contains thirty grams of carbohydrates. Those counting calories may want to consider other lower calorie beverages as well. However, even if apple juice is not a good option to meet a dieter’s specific requirements, whole apples can sometimes be eaten as an alternative because they contain fiber that apple juice lacks.

While an apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, one little known fact about apple juice is that it can help keep dentists away. The properties of apple juice prevent tooth decay by reducing bacteria in the mouth. Overall, the 117 calories contained in a cup of apple juice pack some powerful nutritional value. Apple juice also has properties that prevent cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and has been associated with healthier lungs.